It has a beautiful wisdom and simplicity ... Helen McCrory in The Deep Blue Sea. Photograph: Richard Hubert Smith/AP

Director Carrie Cracknell described one day in rehearsals with you as an almost spiritual experience. How would you define your collaborative relationship? We first worked together on Medea in 2014. We took Ben Powers new adaptation and delivered an all-singing, all-dancing production of a Greek tragedy set in the 20th century on to the massive Olivier stage in six weeks. So ours was a collaboration formed in the furnace. We worked together at breakneck speed. So when we came to work on The Deep Blue Sea, the task seemed much simpler.

I hope I speak for Carrie, too, when I say we now have an implicit trust and respect for each other. Carrie possesses a rare quality that all the best directors have: no ego. The best solution in the rehearsal room is used, she has no concern who it belongs to, just that the play is served. She encourages everyone to trust their instincts and never attempts to dominate but quietly edits, taking ideas and losing others. The Deep Blue Sea was one of the most profoundly happy experiences I have ever had in a rehearsal room. She has a gentleness and non-judgmental quality that make you feel you could do anything. I hope we have the opportunity to do it again.

How does this production upend expectations about how Rattigan is done?Carrie definitely threw the dust sheets off how Rattigan should be produced. First, she worked with Tom Scutt, designing the inside of a postwar London boarding house as an open set, a skeleton of a building where each sound was amplified, where the tenants all heard each others footsteps, arguments and secrets. All washed through with the colours of a deep blue sea. I then played most of the performance in my slip and dressing gown. I wanted to feel that this world was a womans private space, constantly invaded by others and a woman whose sexuality had driven her to a very dark place. Lighting and sound design were then used to create the outside world that broke into the interiors in a sharp, discordant way. The result was almost expressionistic.

Rattigans writing can be incredibly subtle and full of subtext. Is there a specific line or moment that you think encapsulates your character Hesters position?When youre caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, the deep blue sea can seem terribly inviting. It could have been written by Tennessee Williams and some nights I played Hester with that heady sensuality that Williamss characters can possess. In the NT Live recording we started 15 minutes late so I remember having a brusque, brittle quality that lying under a blanket backstage in the dark and cold can give you! But its valid, she has many qualities and different ones dominated on different nights. Thats the fun of live performance it really can change radically from night to night.

Hester is desperate. How important have the arts been in raising awareness of mental health issues, both in the 50s and now?Hester is suicidal, something that Rattigan understood implicitly as the play is based on his own experience of losing his lover of 10 years to suicide by gas poisoning. The entire play can be seen as a love letter to him, asking him at the end of the play not to succumb to the deep blue sea but to live. It has a poignancy and heartache throughout, on one hand understanding the fragility, anger and shame that can drive someone to the brink of suicide but on the other asking that sometimes you have to put one foot in front of another and keep walking on even when you feel no sense of hope or purpose because you mustnt give up. It has a beautiful wisdom and simplicity. I dont think Ive ever heard the term mental health issues in a rehearsal room. Actors tend to see all reactions as part of the human experience. We dont say this is normal, this is not normal, as a social worker or a psychiatrist might because the actor must always empathise with the character in order to portray them and everything is encompassed within that. Perhaps that attitude destigmatises human behaviour and helps an audience to question why someone might be behaving in a certain way, rather than are they right or wrong to do so. Because change can only be brought about through understanding.

You can almost smell the damp and the cigarette smoke in the production, partly thanks to Tom Scutts green-tinged set. Did that mood, and Hesters troubled character, affect your life off stage?Once the curtains down and Im out of the shower, thats Hester gone. If youre ever looking for a fun crowd after a show, find a company thats just done an emotional performance. All we want to do is laugh, dance and be merry. Its that comedy lot you want to avoid ...

Very early in your career you had a lead role at the National in Trelawny of the Wells. What are your memories of that time?They are very, very happy and very, very vague. I remember I played footie in my obligatory Doc Martens (well it was the early 90s) with the stage crew before the show as my warm-up. I had the most incredible ball gowns that we got me into in 47 seconds (my quick change between act one and act two used to get its own round of applause, I was thrilled). I remember working with the great Michael Bryant, whose ashes now lie under the stage at the National. (Im not sure if thats true or just an urban myth, but I always say hello to him every night before I warm up.) And I vividly remember enthusiastically congratulating a young director in the bar one night after the show, on his great achievement of directing at the National. It turned out the young director was Richard Eyre, head of the National and my boss. He was completely charming and didnt say anything so as not to embarrass me. Happy days.

You set up a scheme to feed the NHS at the start of the pandemic what are your current plans for the scheme and how has it gone?FeedNHS joined up with MealForce and BaxterStorey and was, at its peak, feeding 45,000 meals a day to over 100 hospitals across the nation. We have wound down now, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who donated and also to say despite having to design websites (like having teeth pulled), spending days on calls which all began by screaming Can you hear me?! before losing connection as wifi dropped out again, learning that the NHS is a series of trusts all of whom must be contacted independently, Damian (Lewis, McCrorys husband), John Vincent (head of Leon) and I met the most inspirational philanthropists, hard-working NHS staff, altruistic chefs, kind and selfless delivery people and a wealth of good-hearted people. It was a wonderful experience.

Continued here:
Helen McCrory: 'This is a woman's private space, invaded by others' - The Guardian

SportGolf Scot excited about European Tour resumption but says its a nightmare trying to get to the Vienna venue

Sunday, 5th July 2020, 7:30 am

Connor Syme recorded three top-15 finishes in seven starts before the Covid virus struck. Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Images

C onnor Symes lockdown listening has included podcasts with Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, both of which left the young Scot realising his path in golf had been carved out a lot later than the two major winners. While McIlroy and Thomas both had lives as professional golfers in their sights from a young age, Syme had a different career in mind until his mid-teens.

When I heard both Rory and Justin saying they always knew they were going to be a pro, I was like, I really wish I could say the same thing, as I was much more into football when I was younger, said the 24-year-old. It probably wasnt until I was 14 or 15 that I started to think about wanting to become a professional golfer.

Syme, who was born in Kirkcaldy but brought up in Dumfries, was at Rangers when he was 13 before making it on to the books at Queen of the South. Its crazy to think when you consider I couldnt be further away from that now, but, at that time, I would have picked football over golf, he added. Id have wanted to play professionally for Queen of the South rather than go to the golf course. I guess I was just finding out what I loved doing most.

Having said that, as much as I loved football, I wasnt a great tackler, so I dont know how long my football career would have continued. That was fine at under-12s, but, once you started playing against the hardy boys from Queens Park, it was a different proposition [laughing].

Symes initial plan after choosing golf as the career he wanted to pursue was to head to college in the US. That didnt work out, but staying at home didnt do any harm whatsoever. He won the Australian Amateur Championship as he was honing his game under the watchful eye of his dad and coach, Stuart. Syme also helped Scotland land back-to-back Scottish Amateur Championship victories in 2015 and 2016. After becoming really focused on turning pro, I thought it might happen around 23, but I was actually 22, he said.

In his rookie season on the European Tour in 2018, Syme finished runner-up in the Shot Clock Master in Austria only to come up agonisingly short in his bid to hang on to his card. It spoke volumes for both his talent and mental attitude, though, that he bounced back straight away, using a win in the Turkish Airlines Challenge to regain a seat at European golfs top table this season.

That was going along nicely hed recorded three top-15 finishes in seven starts to sit 61st in the Race to Dubai before the circuit was shut down due to the Covid-19 virus. Four months on, it is set to crank into action again. The Austrian Open marks the restart this week, with Syme returning to Diamond Country Club near Vienna, where he recorded that eye-catching finish two seasons ago, to be among a small group of players flying the Saltire.

Its proving a bit of a nightmare as all the direct flights from the UK to Austria were cancelled this week, said Syme, who enjoyed having a card back in his hand for the first time since the Qatar Masters as he played in a Clutch Pro Tour event at Hollinwell on Nottinghamshire on Monday. We are now looking at driving over, which sounds absolutely mental. We will likely get down to London and work our way over from there. Thats the plan. Its a bit challenging for the first one back. But, if we do end up driving, its not that bad. From a health point of view, I probably wouldnt really want to be in an airport at this point. If we are able to drive, it will probably be safer. But its going to be a long trip.

The fact Ive got good memories at Diamond Country Club not just in the Shot Clock Masters but also with Scotland in the European Team Championship definitely had an influence on my decision to start back in this event. Its a course I like and the fact I know it makes the preparations a little bit easier.

Syme isnt staying on in Austria for the Euram Bank Open, the second leg of a double-header, opting instead to get back to prepare for the start of an exciting six-event UK Swing, with the Betfred British Masters at Close House, near Newcastle, marking the circuits full return in just over a fortnights time.

The plan is just to play in the first one in Austria then come home because the quarantine situation still isnt totally clear. It might be that I fly back into England and stay down there to prepare for the British Masters, he said. I used the Clutch Pro Tour event as a warm-up for Austria, where I will hopefully be a little bit sharper and sharper still going into the UK events. The amount of time weve had off has been unprecedented, so I feel fortunate to have a few knocks before the real stuff starts again.

It feels like a new season we are going into, which seems weird. The UK stuff is going to be awesome. Were going to great venues [including Ryder Cup venues Celtic Manor and The Belfry] and I feel safe and positive going down there with the precautions the European Tour have in place.

A strict bubble is being enforced at all six tournaments. I think its amazing that we are close to getting restarted as I wouldnt have been surprised if we hadnt been playing again this year, added Syme. Its awesome that [chief executive] Keith Pelley and everyone else at the tour have been keen to get us playing again. Its a bit of a free run at it, too, because the card situation seems as though it is going to stay the same as it is this year for us. Its a good opportunity for a lot of guys to have a real run at it until the end of the season.

Lockdown life has certainly not been boring for Syme. Early on, he landed a 10,000 windfall for two charities FoodTrain in Dundee and the Hospice of the Valleys by winning a simulator event organised by the European Tour, with BMW as its sponsor, then added 2,000 for the former by sharing a five-way victory in another one. I was really chuffed with that, he admitted. It was a cool thing for us to be able to do and great to see that, even in these tough times, the European Tour and BMW were still able to help people.

His practice sessions at home have also proved eventful at times, posting a video on social media of a ball coming straight back off the frame of a net in his back garden and hitting him. Honestly, Im the worst guy ever with a net, he said, laughing. I couldnt get it set up properly at all. I had a smaller net to start with and I had a nightmare with balls going over that into a couple of gardens over the wall. I then got a bigger net thinking I wouldnt have any issues with that then bang, I get nailed myself. Other than that, its been good!

In the middle of the shutdown, Syme also signed a new contract with Modest Golf!, the management group set up by Niall Horan, formerly of boy band One Direction and now carving out an equally successful solo career. Since I signed with Modest!, I have always liked what theyve done for me, said Syme, who has subsequently been joined in the stable by Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton, as well as two of the rising stars in world golf, South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Italian Guido Migliozzi. Even though they are still relatively new, it feels as though they have been doing it forever. It was a no-brainer when they offered me a new contract as I want to keep moving on with them and all our interests are aligned.

As for Niall, hes great. Hes mad about his golf. The other day, I had something on with Ping and he was in touch asking what was happening. It is cool to have him on board and he brings a lot to the team. He has a massive following, but hes just one of us when it comes to helping us out with our golf.

It was his idea to set up the company and hes done a great job. Everyone who comes in might not be at the top of the ladder. Christiaan, for instance, was on the Sunshine Tour when he signed and hes now a top-50 player in the world. Seeing those guys do well will hopefully push guys like myself on. It really is like one big family.

Home for Syme these days is Drumoig, keeping him close to his real family. Dad Stuart, a former captain of the PGA in Scotland, owns Drumoig Golf Centre, having returned to his native Fife just under a decade ago, and also now runs the pro shop at nearby Scotscraig. Although I feel as though Ive found the passion for the game myself and my desire, my dad guided me from a young age, said Syme.

Even when I was more into football, I can remember all the tips he used to give me at the driving range. Wed be there on a cold winters night trying to get better and it all matters now. I dont know how much golf would have been such a big part of my life if it hadnt been for him.

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Connor Syme planning road trip to reach Austrian Open - The Scotsman

The government gives the green light for outdoor opera at Glyndebourne, and outdoor theatre at venues such as the Minack Theatre and Shakespeares Globe. Photograph: Stefan Postles/AAP

Theatres and music venues in England will be able to host physically distanced outdoor performances from Saturday 11 July under new government guidance, but industry figures are calling for more clarity on when full-capacity indoor performances can return.

The culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, announced the relaxing of restrictions at Thursdays 5pm press conference where he said performances can now take place as long as they are outside and with a limited and socially distanced audience.

As Ive seen for myself at the Royal Academy this morning, the National Gallery and as well see shortly from the National Museums Liverpool, our cultural institutions are beginning to welcome back visitors, he said.

Im really urging people to get out there and to play their part, buy the tickets for outdoor plays and music recitals, get to your local gallery and support your local businesses.

The government said that now gives the green light for outdoor opera at Glyndebourne, and outdoor theatre at venues such as the Minack Theatre and Shakespeares Globe, but industry figures were disappointed that the announcement did not go further. Earlier in the week, Dowden unveiled a 1.57bn rescue package for the arts industry.

Jon Morgan, director of Theatres Trust, welcomed the relaxation but called for more clarity on when theatres can move to stage five of the governments roadmap, when performances are allowed indoors with audiences.

He said: It is disappointing that the guidelines have been published without a not before date for stage four and the all-important stage five the point when theatres will be able to open fully and welcome back audiences without social distancing.

Dowden said that pilot performances are taking place in venues to assess when indoor performances can return, which is vital for theatres that need to be almost at full capacity to make a profit and justify the cost of reopening.

The announcement comes after Britains struggling arts and heritage sectors was promised 1.57bn in a rescue package, which the government claimed was the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture.

Dowden also said that the government was changing planning rules in order to prevent vacant theatres from being demolished or changed for other uses. Our culture, heritage and arts are too precious to lose. Thats why were protecting venues like theatres from redevelopment if they fall on hard times, he added.

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Outdoor theatre and music can restart in England from 11 July - The Guardian

In Cody Ikerds original, jazzy, country anthem You Can Find Me in a Honkytonk, life is full of twang for your buck. In the energetic, upbeat tune, he sings:

You can find me in a honkytonk

Under neon lights.

Dancing to a steel guitar

Singer Cody Ikerd will open this summer's Cerafest Series Saturday at Ceraland. Submitted photos

Singer Cody Ikerd will open this summer's Cerafest Series Saturday at Ceraland.

Singer Cody Ikerd will open this summer's Cerafest Series Saturday at Ceraland. Submitted photo

Is where I feel right.

Come Saturday, fans longing for live music can find him at Ceraland Park, 3989 S. County Road 525E southeast of Columbus, dancing to a steel guitar on a stage beyond the venues amphitheater, allowing for more social distancing and safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The show with him and his Sidewinders band lead guitarist Jason Thompson, bassist Chuck Crawford, and drummer Willie Boruff provides an early opening of the parks annual Cerafest series.

It marks the bands third straight appearance at Cerafest. Last year, a crowd of about 250 people caught the performance.

People there always seem to love it, Ikerd said. We always try to get them up and dancing. Thats the main goal: We want to make it as fun as possible for the crowd.

The groups set list will include covers of artists such as Merle Haggard and Marty Stuart and originals from two extended-play releases, including slower, heartbreak tunes highlighting his powerhouse vocals such as his song I Miss You.

He brings great talent and a great show to his performances, said Corey Behymer, Ceralands assistant executive director.

The Bedford resident mentioned on Twitter recently that the group shook off the quarantine blues and a long spell of livestreams to play at the Bluebird nightclub in Bloomington the first live show since March due to the virus. And the ensemble was just slated to play a a holiday weekend gig in Madison.

The band has enjoyed a four-year run thus far, fairly significant in regional entertainment where musicians are hard-pressed to stay a sometimes rocky course.

Ikerd works in industrial safety for the state by day and is trying to increasingly learn to take risks as an artist.

I just want to see how far all this can actually take us, Ikerd said, referring to some 90 concert dates last year and in 2018. Were willing to work hard. And I believe that if you have the right passion and drive, you can accomplish whatever you want.

Growing up, he listened to groups like Led Zeppelin to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Today, he prefers that country acts know their genre and their audience.

Honestly, theres nothing worse than going to a country concert and seeing the band do a mashup of 80s rock and roll hits, he tweeted.

It took a while for his artistry to become as front-and-center as his opinions, since the former drummer didnt even try guitar and vocals until college.

Away from the stage, the man who has patiently grown his career also is patient enough for fishing, turkey hunting, and more.

But on Saturday, there will be no such relaxing. Ikerd figures hell be all over the stage.

We like to take good country music, he said, and really kick it up a notch.

Just like in a honkytonk.

Link:

Honkytonk hero: Cody Ikerd opens an early Cerafest series on Saturday - The Republic

We are only halfway into the year 2020, but it seems like it has been going on forever. Most people have always found it difficult to strike a work-life balance, which often tends to take its toll on ones mental health, and it often goes unnoticed.

The events of this year have even more so been a source of unrest, anxiety, and stress for people across the world. With a growing number of coronavirus cases, going to the therapists is not very feasible as the moment. That being said, many therapists and mental health professionals are available via telephonic support or e-consultations at your convenience.

It is important to not take your mental health lightly during these trying times. One of the most popular practices that ensure mental well-being is meditation. This simple practice can, not only help ease your anxiety but through regular practice it can help you sleep better and keep your mind clear and robust.

Meditation is not difficult in its concept and essence, but it can present challenges for some. One of the most common is in having the discipline required to stick with it and do it every day, no matter what. - Liberty Forrest

There are various methods of meditation, like walking meditation, spiritual meditation, mindfulness meditation and others. However, considering people nowadays might not have access to meditation teachers, it can seem like a daunting task to start anew.

Guided meditation is the perfect way for beginners to learn and absorb the benefits of meditation. It involves listening as someone guides you through the process of getting into the headspace required for meditation. The guide will ask to sit in a comfortable position or lie down and take you through various relaxing visualisations helping you in clearing you mind. This can be done through music or narratives, depending on your preference.

The concept behind this is; when your mind is deeply relaxed it becomes more receptive to positive suggestions. You can choose how long you want to meditate and choose the guide accordingly. From personal improvement to spiritual development, there is a variety of material available for to aid your guided meditation practice.

Like most forms of meditation, this practice involves letting the mind become calm at its own pace rather than forcing it to concentrate. The trick is letting the mind wander when it does and allowing it to return to the topic at its own pace as well. In guided meditation, it is essential to pick a position and place in which you are comfortable and relatively free of distractions for however long you choose to meditate. If you are listening to guides on applications or online, you can even meditate while walking or doing chores, as long as you allow your mind to slip into a meditative state.

There are various apps that have catalogues filled with guided meditation tracks and even different topics relating to meditation that you can listen to or read at your own convenience. Some of these apps include, Headspace, Calm, and Aura.

Whatever forms of meditation you practice, the most important point is to apply mindfulness continuously, and make a sustained effort. It is unrealistic to expect results from meditation within a short period of time. What is required is continuous sustained effort. - Dalai Lama

On the occasion of his 85th birthday, The Dalai Lama XIV released an album of mantras that work as a form of guided meditation. It is titled Inner World and includes his teaching all through 11 tracks set to music.

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Guided Meditation: Relieve stress and improve sleep patterns with this holistic practice - Hindustan Times

We take a look at how different types of music can have an effect on Kid's moods and what type of music is better for boosting happiness.

Music has had an effect on mental health for thousands of years. It has been used to convey mood and emotion. When something exciting is about to happen in a movie, for instance, the type of music being played alerts the viewer to that fact. Conversely, when a villain is lurking about in the dark, ominous music begins to play foreshadowing something awful is about to happen.

The musicputs the viewer in a particular frame of mind, letting them know what to expect, how to react, and how they shouldfeel. Similarly, a hard-core playlist featuring rap, heavy metal, or rock (to name a few genres) prepares the mind and body for an intense workout.

According to HealthyChildren.org, individual experiences affect our musical tastes and make people a certain way. For example, quiet lullabies calm fussy babies (and moms), majestic orchestras, and choral music can fill us with feelings of power and pride. Some music, however, despite the listener's supposed enjoyment, can have the opposite effect.

"In a study of 144 adults and teenagers who listened to 4 different kinds of music, grunge music led to significant increases in hostility, sadness, tension, and fatigue across the entire group, even in the teenagers who said they liked it," HealthyChildren.org reported. In another study, it was reported that pop, rock, oldies, and classical music made them feel optimistic and friendly.

Music has been used to treat depression and calm anxiety. It is often used in offices of medical professionals to help patients relax, and reduce worries about procedures. Relaxing and calming music, most notably classical music, because of its more complex structure, affect the brain in different ways than other genres such as rock and country music.

A 1993 study of college students showed them performing better on spatial reasoning tests after listening to Mozart sonata, which led to claims that listening to Mozart temporarily increased IQ. In 1998, Zell Miller, then governor of Georgiawanted to provide every newborn in the state with a classical music CD. Baby Mozart and other CDs featuring Mozart's music became extremely popular among pregnant mothers and mothers of newborns and toddlers.

The research concluded that classical music pathways in human brains are similar to the pathways used for spatial reasoning. Those pathways are turned on when listening to classical music, which allows for easier solutions to a math problem or a puzzle. But this is temporary. Once the music stops, the spatial skills fade. Music does not necessarily make us smarter; it allows us to relax, which helps us to think better.

Classical music may impact the brain differently than other genres, but it doesn't mean that other genres do not have benefits on brain development and cognitive function. Any musical genre helps build musical pathways in the brain which have positive effects on moods, which facilitates learning.

Related: Classical Music Helps Your Childs Mental & Emotional Development

One genre of music which tends to get a 'bad rap' when it comes to influencing mood is heavy metal. Heavy metal tends to conjure notions of 'head banging,' aggressive lyrics, and noise. It has been blamed for promoting suicide, mass shootings, and other anti-social behaviors. Gangster rap bears a similar burden.

However, an article in neuroscience news.com suggests that heavy metal, along with other genres of "rebellious" music, has health benefits for fans. The article claims that there are reasons that people align themselves with particular genres, mainly for a sense of belonging, or theycan identify with the lyrical themes or ideology reflected in the music-it can also be a reason todisassociate from what is considered popular, creating a feeling of independence and empowerment for the listener.

Research has shown that fans of heavy metal music tend to be open to new experiences, a characteristic resulting from enjoying music that is unconventional, intense, and complex. Recent studies have also shown that fans of heavy metal are not desensitized to violence as commonly assumed and that they had happier childhoods and were better adjusted in adolescence compared to their non-fan peers.

According to Ani Patel, an associate professor of psychology at Tufts University and author of Music, Language, and the Brain,music neuroscience is an emerging field of studystudying howthe human brain works. Patel explained to WBURthat knowing how and why music changes the brain may impact the value we place on it in terms of emotional development and maturity, social skills, and a child's commitment to achieving personal and educational goals.

At a time when arts funding is being cut from elementary school budgets, this is exceptionally good news, since studies have proven that musical education is instrumental for brain development in young children.

Certain styles of music will undoubtedly affect different people in different ways. People listen to music with specific intent. Happiness will be found in upbeat music. Lowkey, "downer" music allows the listener an opportunity toreflect upon the pain that is causing the sadness. People are attracted to a particular genre because they want to indulge in the experience that particular genre offers.

Several studies and research projects exist that explorethe undeniable connections between music, mood, and brain function. However, in order to learn howdeep the connection is, more research is necessary.

READ NEXT: Waking Up To Music Might Just Be What Your Body Needs To Stay Alert

12 Times Toddlers Proved They Aren't As Innocent As Their Cute Cheeks Make You Believe

Renee was born in Brooklyn, and grew up in Toronto, Ontario. She currently resides in the Boogie Down Bronx. She holds masters degrees in both childhood education and urban policy and administration. She is the proud mother of 7 year-old twins Zachary and Noah.

Continued here:

Styles Of Music And How They Effect Kid's Moods, Explained - Moms

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, its become more crucial than ever to get quality sleep. Even now, as many companies around the globe reopen for business, our days are filled with change and uncertainty, and sleep is there to comfort us. It centers us, offering an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on life every day. Sleep clears our minds for new ways of thinking.

In the midst of the challenges were all facing, sometimes going to sleep is the only thing we want to do! And thats positive. Its natures way of telling us to rest well and be well. The science on the subject is clear, showing unequivocally that sleep is vital to our well-being. It improves our ability to focus and sharpens our cognitive functions. It helps us stay calm and steady within, no matter what is going on outside us. Sleep is also a natural immunity booster, which is essential right now. Studies strongly suggest that insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality, or irregular day-to-day timing of sleep may adversely affect immunity, says Dr. Eve Van Cauter, Ph.D., a professor in the department of medicine at the University of Chicago who chairs the Sleep Number Scientific Advisory Board.

At Sleep Number, a survey (of the general population) with 1,000 participants conducted in April found that 55% of those polled were feeling more stressed than usual, while 58% of said theywere getting less sleep than usual.

On the other hand, the data from Sleep Number 360 Smart Bed sleepers told a different story. While they also report feeling stressed, they are prioritizing quality sleep to help them cope. In fact, Sleep Number bed owners have gained between six to 17 minutes of restful sleep per night compared to this time last year, highlighting the desire to focus on sleep as an immunity booster during the pandemic. Research has shown those extra minutes can make a significant difference to our health, well-being, and our productivity while also improving our ability to fight off a virus. An extra 15 minutes of quality sleep per night leads to 100 additional hours per year, which is meaningful.

Additionally, Sleep Number bed owners are showing more consistent sleep patterns since the start of the pandemic. According to our SleepIQ data, there is less of a discrepancy between weekday sleep/wake patterns versus weekend patterns (17 minutes now compared to 23 minutes prior to the pandemic). Science has shown that when sleep patterns are consistent, sleep quality improves overall. Were thrilled that Sleep Number owners take these facts to heart and are experiencing the benefits.

It is exciting for us at Sleep Number to be able to provide higher quality sleep with our smart beds. Society understands the importance of sleep to their overall well-being, and now people are beginning to realize that what they sleep on matters. Prioritizing sleep is something everyone can do, and the payoff is tremendous, particularly during times of crisis.

Sleep is the foundation of both our physical well-being and mental resilience. At a time when our collective anxiety levels are at an all-time high, sleep plays a major role in reducing stress. When were asleep, our brains prune themselves of anxious thoughts, a process that can lower stress. Getting the right kind of zzzs offers us much-needed advantages as we navigate this crisis. It supports us in becoming kinder and more thoughtful. Sleep stabilizes us, enabling us to be decisive and clear, so we can be more balanced in our reactions to our co-workers, our family members, and even the news. In short, being well-rested helps us to show up as the best version of ourselves.

We cant always control our circumstances, however, we can make behavior changes and decisions to improve our sleep. What you do during the day impacts your night of sleep. Personally, I make sure I exercise, eat well, and have no caffeine after noon, which keeps my heart and breathing rate low and results in higher quality sleep. I also try to spend time in nature every day it is the source of my serenity.

Here are my simple steps for sleeping well and creating helpful bedtime rituals during the pandemic and beyond.

Switch off devices an hour before you go to bed

Eliminate screen time (or at least reduce it) an hour before bedtime. Its important because the blue light emitted from our gadgets suppresses melatonin production, which is essential for sleep. And dont forget that the content were inundated with in the news can be unsettling and increase stress. While youre limiting your news consumption before bed, try reading instead, or listening to relaxing music, as part of your wind-down routine.

Establish a regular nighttime and morning routine

One of the most meaningful steps you can take is to establish a consistent sleep routine.Science shows that routine helps give your brain a message that its time to sleep. So as much as possible, try to wake up and go to bed around the same time every day including weekends. That said, giving yourself about an hours range is helpful; youre more likely to be successful if youre not excessively rigid about sleep and wake times. And in the morning, sit by a window or go for a walk to take in some natural light. Morning daylight exposure provides additional energy for your day.

Avoid caffeine after noon

Our research at Sleep Number has shown that people who dont drink caffeine after noon benefit from 13 more restful minutes of sleep a night. Studies have found that caffeine enters the bloodstream rapidly and stays there for longer than you might expect. Even if youre able to fall asleep easily, caffeine can interrupt brain signals that promote sleep quality. If going without your afternoon or evening coffee fix is hard for you, dial back your caffeine intake gradually. You could start by setting a 3 p.m. cutoff, for example.

Get some movement every day

Along with sleeping well, consistent exercise works wonders for our mental and physical health.Try to fit in some kind of workout routine for at least 20 minutes a day. It could simply be a walk, a short run, or even some stretches or strengthening exercises at home. The important thing is to make sure you move! Research shows that by exercising regularly, youll benefit from seven more minutes of restful sleep a night. As Dr. Van Cauter says: If you have more activity in the daytime, particularly physical activity, it will help you sleep despite anxiety. Personally, I used to like to exercise (often with weights, or cardio on the treadmill) as soon as I got up. With the increased intensity since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I moved my workout to the end of my workday. I found this helped me transition to a calmer evening.

Set yourself up for comfort

What you sleep on matters, and having the right bed is important. Make sure it is comfortable and supportive for your individual needs. You should look forward to bed, knowing it will give you the deep, restorative sleep you need. At Sleep Number, our 360 Smart Beds effortlessly adjust throughout the night, sensing every movement to keep individuals (and couples) comfortable for their highest quality of sleep. We are obsessed with individuality!

It may sound trivial, but research shows that people who make their beds are more rested than those who dont do this simple task. A bed thats been made is much more inviting. It makes the room feel serene and calm; its like a mental pathway or bridge to a good nights sleep.

Its also very important to have the right pillow to support your head, neck, and spinal alignment. If you havent been fitted for a pillow, go to a Sleep Number store and do so. It is a complimentary service and a great opportunity to better understand how to support your body for the best nights sleep. You should also love your sheets, comforter, and pajamas! Invest in quality, as all of these components will set you up for a wonderful and peaceful experience in your own sleep sanctuary. Quality sleep is life-changing.

Express your gratitude

Everyone whos familiar with my personal approach to life knows that I am a big believer in the power of gratitude. It cant be underestimated. Studies have found that people who express gratitude tend to be more fulfilled. I begin and close my day by reflecting on what I am grateful for in my life, like my family, my health, and my work. When I open my eyes in the morning to see the promise of the sunrise, I feel hope, peace, and gratitude. The skyline is magical and feels like a gift every morning. And equally, I am thankful when I look up into the sky every night, at the stars, planets, and the moon. Theres a sense of wonder and curiosity, evoking all the possibilities of life, and stories yet to be told. Its calming to think that life has more to offer beyond our present circumstances. Those reflections help me drift off to sleep and prepare for the future.

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness prayer, meditation, or breathing exercises can help you relax and fall asleep. It can also help you fall back to sleep if you wake up in the middle of the night. Many people struggle with worrying, and right now there are so many additional concerns about health, finances, jobs, and racial injustice. Amidst so much uncertainty, mindfulness helps us to be present for the life we do have today, right now the only reality that we are certain of.

Sleep well, dream big, Shelly

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7 Steps for Getting Enough Sleep During the Coronavirus Crisis and Beyond - Thrive Global

The newly released Wave Redux is something of a spiritual successor to developer Thomas Janson's hard-as-nails Wave Wave. The key difference between the two is that Redux is aiming to offer a chilled-out experience, while its predecessor specialised in extremely demanding twitch action.

Even looking at videos of Wave Wave being played makes me feel woefully inadequate. Its electric use of colour, sound, and shifting perspective appears equal parts exciting and nauseating, though it absolutely seems like the type of game that you can sink into and become utterly entranced by.

By comparison, Wave Redux is slower, friendlier, and seemingly a whole lot easier. You'll move around a series of elaborately constructed mazes while collecting little boxes and generally just have a nice time. That being said, there are two different modes to try: Chill Mode and Hype Mode.

The former is intended to be a calming experience with relaxing music, and the latter introduces a new control scheme while throwing more challenging obstacles your way. For me, this is a great idea, and I can totally see myself running to Chill Mode whenever Hype Mode leaves me in tears.

PG alum Peter Willington reviewed Wave Wave back at launch in 2014, saying "Wave Wave is excellent, basically, and if you're the sort who gets off on testing your hand-eye coordination to its limits, then you should buy it," before awarding it a Silver Rating. Janson was also behind last year's Death Hall, which was a hardcore platformer with a strong sense of style.

If you fancy giving Wave Wave a go, it's currently available via mobile game subscription service GameClub. And you'll of course find Wave Redux up for download now as a free-to-play game from over on the App Store.

Link:

Wave Redux is a stylish chill-out game from the creator of Death Hall and Wave Wave - Pocket Gamer

Due to the multifaceted consequences of the pandemic, numerous people are losing jobs or facing crisis in their career and family lives. As the educational institutes are closed, many students are getting addicted to technology, like virtual gaming on smartphones, which is disrupting their daily life activities and diet. All of these problems are causing depression and anxiety in people which is eventually leading to sleeplessness. Chronic sleep disorder or insomnia can make your body more vulnerable to the life-threatening COVID19 disease. Read this article to know how to sleep well during the pandemic.

Still today, the immunity system is your only weapon to fight against the attack of Coronavirus. Solid sleep at night can strengthen the natural immune system of your body; but how?

Research shows that sleep can foster T Cell production in the human body. T Cells are a kind of white blood cell that controls how your immune system is going to respond when any virus enters your body. Sleep deprivation can prevent 'T Cells' from responding efficiently which eventually makes it more difficult for the immune system of your body to kill the antigen virus and fight back against illnesses.

Furthermore, when you can successfully complete the four sleep cycles, your body can effectively produce and release a kind of essential protein substance called cytokine that can assist your immune system to respond against antigens quickly.

When you get good sleep, your mind can work better in doing complex thinking, learning, memorizing, and decision-making. For both kids and adults, regular sound sleep not only enhances mood, and prevents anxiety but also keeps the energy level high and helps them stay sharp.

Your internal circadian rhythm which is also known as sleep/wake cycle or biological body clock can naturally regulate the feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness throughout the day. If you can maintain a regular routine of bedtime and wakeup time for 7 days in every week, it can help your body clock work accordingly. Try not to break up the routine on weekends. Thus, you can have sound sleep every day amid pandemic.

Try to spend some time under bright sunlight during the morning. If you are locked down inside your home to prevent the virus contraction, then keep your windows opened to expose yourself to sunlight for at least the early hours of the day. This can improve your mood and help to regulate your circadian rhythms or body clock.

In addition to this, to have a better sleep at night, you need to limit the light exposure in the evening, especially from electronic devices, like a laptop, desktop, or Smartphone. It would be more effective if you can change the brightness of your device by activating night mode apps or features. This simple trick can reduce the lags of your brain preventing disturbances in your body clock. Thus, you can improve your sleep in the long term.

Due to the body clock (circadian rhythm), the adults may feel sleepy at day time at 2 or 3 pm and fall asleep at late night around 2 or 3 pm. To maintain a healthy sleep routine, you must avoid taking short naps during the afternoon or other periods in the day time.

However, if you have a very little sleep on the previous night, you can make an exception to break the routine. Regular daytime naps can reduce your bodys necessity of sleep can lead to insomnia.

ReadCoronavirus Tips: Immunity Booster Herbal Teas to Prevent Infection.

As health experts are encouraging people to stay at home and maintain social distancing, the normal pace of life has been hampered. Many people are avoiding their respective regular outdoor physical activities like walking, jogging, swimming, playing or going to the gym and investing more time on screen for watching TV, Netflix, or checking social media, which is hampering their sleep time. If you can do some indoor physical exercise or Yoga every day, it would help you to build up enough body fatigue to fall asleep quite easily. Thus, you can enjoy better sleep.

ReadWhich Type of Yoga Should You Try?

Watching regular news to know how many people are getting affected or dying of COVID19 can enhance your worry. It can not only hamper your daily activities but also disturb your sleep on a regular basis. To avoid negative news you can limit your news exposure. If you are experiencing anxiety, do not hesitate to share your problems with family members, friends, or doctors.

You need to strengthen your bonding with family members to uplift your spirits and reduce anxiety. Besides this, you have to accept the fact that you may not have good sleep every night. Therefore, do not push yourself for sleep; rather try to manage your anxiety in a proper way.

ReadHow to Handle Your Coronavirus Anxiety during Home Quarantine?

A healthy diet can improve your quality of sleep. Try to avoid drinking tea or coffee during the evening or night hours, as the caffeine can stimulate your nerve and delay sleep in the night. However, if you cannot avoid caffeine after sunset, you can opt for organic teas like Chamomile tea which can naturally enhance the quality of your sleep. Furthermore, eating heavy meals before going to bed can also hamper your sleep.

ReadPost Meal Bad Habits: Things You Must Avoid Right After Eating Meal.

The human brain works like a computer. Usually, the brain tends to relate to bed and darkness with falling asleep. This function of the brain can be disrupted if you engage with any activity like video games, physical activity, or surfing the internet before bedtime. To sleep like a baby, you need to avoid those devices at least 90 minutes before your scheduled sleep time. However, if you have an important office or business task, try to set them aside from a minimum of 30 minutes before going to bed.

However, if you cannot feel sleepy within 15 to 30 minutes after going to bed, try something soothing, like reading a book or listening to relaxing music until you fall asleep.

See more here:

Coronavirus and Insomnia: How to Sleep Well during COVID19... - United News of Bangladesh

Is the new Apple iOS 14 just Android in disguise?

Apple made a slew of announcements last month at WWDC 2020, its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. The company unveiled the newiOS 14and a redesigned iPhone home screen with newwidgets, along withiPadOS 14, MacOS Big Sur, and updates to TVOSand WatchOS.

While many of these iOS 14 features might feel new Apple iPhone users, those familiar with Android devices could be feeling deja vu. Here's a list of all the new Apple iOS 14 features that Android already had.

With iOS 14, Apple introduced a new Translate app that's designed for use in real-time conversation. It can translate between 11 languages, including English, Mandarin Chinese, French, German and Korean. As of March 2020, Google's 14-year-old dedicated translate app could transcribe conversations in eight languages in real time.

Apple's Translate app in iOS 14.

With the new operating systems, the revamped iPhone ($699 at Apple) and iPad ($299 at Back Market) home screens will includewidgets, which let you see information like the weather on your home screen at a glance. Prior to the announcement at WWDC, iPhone users could only have apps on the iPhone home screen. But widgets, which contain more information and are more functional than app icons, have been a mainstay feature on Google's Android since its inception in 2008.

Now playing: Watch this: Top 5 features iOS 14 stole from Android

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App Clips in iOS 14.

Apple's App Clips let users preview "small parts" of apps quickly without downloading them. This can come in handy when trying to pay for takeout or parking, since App Clips is compatible withApple Payand Sign In with Apple. Google introduced a similar feature,Instant Apps, in 2016. Instant Apps gives apps their own URL so users don't have to download an entire app for a single transaction, like buying concert tickets for example.

Another part of Apple's redesigned home screen is an App Library that organizes your apps into groups and lists. With the new home screen in iOS 14, users can also "hide" apps from their main home-screen. This is similar to Android's app drawer, sans the grouping features.

The updated Apple Maps app will provide ways to travel in a more eco-friendly fashion in iOS 14 andWatchOS 7. The dedicated Cycling option will help users find bike paths while taking into account elevation, whether the route you take its busy or quiet, and if you'll encounter any stairs. While Google Maps doesn't factor in stairs, there has been the option to select "cycling" since 2010. When I tried it on my Pixel 3 ($474 at Amazon), the step-by-step directions offer a look at elevation on a trip, too.

Apple's cycling directions in Apple Maps.

Apple also announced a new picture-in-picture feature coming to iOS 14, which will allow users to be able to watch a video while using other apps. The video will shrink and be able to float anywhere on the screen. It can also be swiped away and the video's audio can still play. While the audio doesn't continue to play if the video is swiped away, Android phonesalready have the ability to float videos over other apps.

Apple's Wind Down mode in iOS 14.

Another new feature announced was a Wind Down mode that helps users get ready for bed. The feature, which works for iPhone and Apple Watch ($399 at Apple), lets you set a desired bed time and wake-up time, and puts your phone into Do Not Disturb mode. There are also options to add shortcuts for meditation or playing relaxing music. Google doesn't have a dedicated app for this, but there is a way to set up a bed time routine through the Google Home app.

For more, check out everything announced at WWDC 2020.

Now playing: Watch this: iOS 14 hands-on preview: Trying out the developers'...

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All the iOS 14 features coming to iPhones that Android had first - CNET